Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Jesus Christ in new Hollywood Bowl production upsets fans: ‘Making a mockery’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Cynthia Erivo has caused an upheaval on the internet of Biblical proportion after announcing that she would be taking up the role of Jesus Christ this summer for ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. 

The latest production is slated to run between August 1 and August 3, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as reported by Daily Mail. 

However, the 'Wicked' actress' unconventional casting in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classical musical set has left netizens scratching their heads.

Cynthia Erivo to star as Jesus Christ in new musical production

Taking to her Instagram, Cynthia Erivo, 38, nominated for an Oscar this year for her role as Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, wrote, “'Just a little busy this Summer, can’t wait.”

Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo will direct and choreograph the show while fellow Tony winner Stephen Oremus will be the musical director and conductor.

'Jesus Christ Superstar' is a timeless work that explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot, according to a description on Hollywood Bowl’s website.

This is, however, not the first time, that the British actress is taking to the stage for a production of ‘Superstar’. 

As reported by Daily Mail, Erivo previously essayed the role of Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of ‘Superstar’ in 2020. For that version, Morgan James took up the mantle of playing the Messiah. 

The news of Erivo in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' comes on the heels of an exciting awards season for the actress. Besides an Oscar nomination, she has also earned a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, and a Critics Choice Award for Best Actress.

She lost the Golden Globe to Demi Moore in 'Substance' and the BAFTA Award to Mikey Madison for 'Anora'.

Cynthia Erivo's casting as Jesus Christ riles up Internet

The Hollywood Bowl's unconventional casting of Cynthia Erivo, as expected, caused a stir among social media users, with many confused over the blatant attempt at inclusivity in theaters by casting a woman in the role of Jesus Christ.

One person slammed the casting, by writing on X, "Not even an attempt to be accurate."

"Disgusting," noted someone else, adding, "They are just trying to make a mockery of Christianity."

"Hollywood cannot possibly run out of money soon enough," said another disgruntled user. 

Someone else added, "Cynthia is a mega talented woman’s I pray she repents and refuses this blasphemy."

"Cynthia Erivo will attempt to make a mockery of Jesus Christ in rock musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Hollywood Bowl??" quizzed someone else. 

Another user noted their frustration, saying, "Yall just be doing anything."

Another user noted, "Well, the color of the skin doesn't matter but the gender is like ...really???"

"Sorry isn't that role for a male performer?" read a comment.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.